NDSU Expert Stresses Importance of Vaccinations

NDSU Livestock Systems Specialist Karl Hoppe says preparation for weaning calves begins with vaccinations. “The number one thing they always need to be concerned about is vaccinations and pre-vaccinations for the major cattle disease that we have out there,” said Hoppe. “It really does make a difference that vaccines are put into our calves, both an initial dose as well as a booster dose.” Hoppe notes that once calves are purchased and mingled with calves from other farms, there’s a greater risk without vaccination. “Our calves are always sold to somebody at some point, where they’re usually co-mingled with somebody else’s calf. These diseases that we can vaccinate for are the most prevalent ones, and any vaccination like that is hugely beneficial.”